The Government recognises that access to finance is critical for businesses to survive and grow and that small and medium-sized companies face particular challenges. The current system is not adequately delivering finance to small, growing businesses that are vital to the future of the economy.

BIS is seeking views to inform its negotiating position on the Consumer Rights Directive as to whether contingent or ancillary charges should be assessed for unfairness under the unfair contract terms provisions.

In August 2009, the Competition Commission (CC) recommended that Government took the steps necessary to establish an effective body to monitor and enforce compliance with the groceries supply code of practice (GSCOP) and give it the power to levy penalties on retailers for non compliance with the GSCOP. Government published its response on 13 January accepting the need for an effective body to undertake this role and made a commitment to begin a consultation in February.

Equality Impact Assessments

Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) are a systematic way of gathering information and analysing the potential or actual effects of a policy on disability, ethnic minority, gender, faith, age, transgender and maternity groups.